MR imaging of periarticular soft-tissue lesions.

The exquisite soft-tissue contrast and multi-planar imaging capabilities of MR imaging uniquely qualify this modality for the evaluation of periarticular pathology. MR evaluation can be diagnostic by signal characterization, as in a lipoma, or by anatomic location, as seen in meniscal and synovial cysts. In other less diagnostic pathology, MR imaging can focus a differential diagnosis, guide percutaneous or surgical biopsy, provide local staging, and serve as a surgical map.